Back to Guides
Guide

How to Check If an iPhone Is Unlocked (5 Reliable Methods)

5 min readUpdated 6/1/2025

How to Tell If an iPhone Is Carrier-Unlocked

A carrier-unlocked iPhone works with any SIM card on any compatible network worldwide. A locked iPhone only works with one specific carrier. Here are 5 reliable ways to check — some require having the iPhone, some you can do before purchase.

Method 1: Check via Settings (Fastest — iPhone in Hand)

  1. Open Settings → General → About
  2. Scroll down to find "Carrier Lock"
  3. If it reads "No SIM restrictions" — the iPhone is unlocked
  4. If it reads "SIM Locked" or shows a carrier name — the iPhone is locked to that carrier

This is the most direct method. Available on iPhone running iOS 14 and later.

Method 2: IMEI Check (Best Before Purchase)

Run a premium IMEI check at imeicheckpro.com using the 15-digit IMEI (dial *#06# on the phone). The carrier lock check shows:

  • Lock status (locked/unlocked)
  • Which carrier the iPhone is locked to (AT&T, T-Mobile, EE, Vodafone, Jio, etc.)
  • Whether the iPhone is eligible for unlock

This is the safest method when you cannot physically test the iPhone (remote purchase, eBay listing).

Method 3: Insert a Different Carrier's SIM

  1. Get a SIM card from a different carrier (borrow one, or use a travel SIM)
  2. Insert it into the iPhone
  3. If the iPhone shows signal bars and the carrier name — it is unlocked
  4. If it shows "Invalid SIM", "SIM Not Supported", or "SIM Locked" — it is carrier-locked

This is the definitive physical test but requires a SIM from a different network.

Method 4: Check Apple's Coverage Page

  1. Go to checkcoverage.apple.com
  2. Enter the IMEI or serial number
  3. While this page primarily shows warranty, it confirms the device model. An iPhone purchased at full price from Apple or an Apple Authorised Reseller ships unlocked — if the coverage page confirms a retail unit, it's likely unlocked.

Method 5: Contact the Original Carrier

Call or chat with the carrier (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, EE, etc.) and provide the IMEI. Carriers can tell you if the device is locked to their network and whether it has been unlocked. This is useful if Settings doesn't clearly show lock status (older iOS versions).

What "Unlocked" Actually Means

An unlocked iPhone can be used with any SIM card from any carrier, anywhere in the world — as long as the carrier uses compatible network frequencies (bands). Unlocked ≠ compatible with every network globally. A US unlocked iPhone may not support all bands used by carriers in Japan or India. For full compatibility, check the device's supported bands via IMEI lookup.

iPhones That Are Always Unlocked

  • iPhones purchased directly from Apple at full price (no carrier contract or financing)
  • iPhones purchased from Apple with a SIM-free configuration
  • Refurbished iPhones from Apple (Apple Certified Refurbished)
  • iPhones that have been unlocked by their carrier after meeting eligibility requirements

How to Get a Locked iPhone Unlocked

Contact the carrier the iPhone is locked to. In the US: AT&T requires 60 days active + paid off; T-Mobile unlocks after 40 days; Verizon auto-unlocks after 60 days. In the UK: EE, O2, and Vodafone all offer free unlocking after contract end. See our carrier-specific unlock guides for step-by-step instructions.